Multifunctional medical device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a multifunctional medical device, apparatus or system that is capable of performing a surgical procedure or operation and also capable of removing or reducing smoke particles generated by the surgical procedure or operation on a subject, the apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes, two of which are configured to be in electrical communication with or being electrically connectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to ionize, and remove or reduce smoke particles, and at least one of which is also configured to be part of a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation such as tissue cutting, cauterization, tissue sealing or coagulating at a surgical site on the subject. Also disclosed is a method of employing the above disclosed device, apparatus or system or variations thereof to perform a surgical procedure or operation at a surgical site and to remove or reduce smoke particles generated during the surgical procedure or operation.

FIELD

The embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to a multifunctionalmedical device, apparatus or system that provides the capability tomedical personnel to accomplish multiple surgical procedures oroperations in a single instrument. More particularly, the embodiments ofthis disclosure relate to a medical device that is capable of performinga surgical procedure or operation on a subject and also capable ofreducing or removing particles generated during or following thesurgical procedure or operation. Even more particularly, the embodimentsof this disclosure relate to a multifunctional surgical smoke extractorfor the reduction or removal of smoke particles generated during orfollowing a procedure such as a laparoscopic or other intracorporealprocedures or open surgery on a subject. The present disclosure alsorelates to methods of employing such a multifunctional medical device,apparatus or system or extractor to reduce or remove smoke particlesgenerated during or following a surgical procedure or operation on asubject.

BACKGROUND

Particles such as smoke particles are often generated during surgicalprocedures. Smoke particles generated in this way obscure the view of asurgeon performing the procedure and may also be hazardous to the healthof the surgical staff. Development of smoke removal methods forconventional surgery has concentrated on removing the smoke by means ofa vacuum and then venting the smoke externally of the operating theatreand/or filtering out the smoke particles. When laparoscopic proceduresare carried out, gas is introduced into the patient via access ports toinflate an area of interest of the patient's body. Smoke generated inthe insufflated area, for example when diathermic or electrocauterycutting is undertaken, is sucked out and may then be filtered. The smokeparticles should be filtered out but often, in practice, they are not.Filters for such vacuum smoke removal are expensive. Often the smoke isleft to permeate into the operating theatre in many procedures, causingundesirable health conditions.

Even when cryosurgery is employed, frozen vapour, droplets, or mattercan be generated like fog, which is suspended in the local atmosphere.The fog too can obscure the surgeon's view and therefore may behazardous.

US patent application publication US 2012/0,067,212 describes a surgicalversion of an electrostatic smoke precipitation system where anionization wand is placed into a laparoscopic environment with anattempt to ionize the particles created by energy devices. The disclosedionization wand is provided with a high voltage negative charge that ispassed to the particles. The ionized particles are then attracted to thepatient abdominal wall, via a positively charged grounding pad attachedto the patient in the same way as a monopolar pad is used in monopolarelectrosurgery.

US patent application publication US 2014/0,228,836 discloses anapparatus and method for removing or reducing the number of particles inan enclosed atmosphere during intracorporeal procedures. The disclosedapparatus comprises a housing adapted to be placed against the body onwhich a procedure is to be formed, a first electrode external to thehousing for contacting the body, an elongated electrically insulatedprobe extending from the housing and being insertable into anintracorporeal body cavity in which a procedure is to be performed, asecond electrode at the free end of the probe, and circuit means forgenerating voltage between said first and second electrodes. Thedisclosed method comprises applying a voltage between the electrodessufficient to cause local ionization of particles within the body cavitysuch that they migrate away from the second electrode, thereby removingor reducing the number of particles generated during the procedure fromthe enclosed atmosphere at or around the site of the procedure.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device comprising a first electrode and a second electrodewherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured tobe in electrical communication with or electrically connectable toopposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to form a dccircuit to ionize, and remove or reduce smoke particles generated at asurgical site on a subject, and wherein the first or the secondelectrode is also configured to be in electrical communication with orelectrically connectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energyto form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation on thesubject. In an embodiment, the device further comprises means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the device furthercomprises means to control and/or monitor the RF circuit. In anembodiment, the first electrode may be configured to be used both as anionizing electrode in the dc circuit and as a cutting electrode in theRF circuit as well. In an embodiment, the second electrode may also beconfigured as a RF current return pad in the RF circuit. In anembodiment, the device may further comprise a RE current return pad inthe RF circuit.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device or system comprising a source of high voltage dcelectricity; a first electrode; and a second electrode; wherein thefirst electrode and the second electrode are configured to be inelectrical communication with or electrically connectable to oppositepoles of the source of high voltage dc electricity to form a dc circuitto ionize, and reduce or remove smoke particles generated at a surgicalsite on a subject, and wherein the first or the second electrode is alsoconfigured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energy to form a RFcircuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation on the subject. Inan embodiment, the device or system further comprises means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the device or systemfurther comprises means to control and/or monitor the RF circuit. In anembodiment, the first electrode may be configured to be used as anionizing electrode in the dc circuit and as a tissue cutting blade inthe RF circuit as well. In an embodiment, the device or system mayfurther comprise a RF circuit current return pad. In an embodiment, thefirst electrode or the second electrode may be configured to be used asa RF current return pad in the RF circuit and also as a smoke particlecollecting patch in the dc circuit. In an embodiment where the RFcurrent return pad is used as a smoke particle collecting patch in thedc circuit, the first electrode may then be configured to be used as anionizing electrode in the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the dc circuitfurther comprises a RF isolation transformer for removing or eliminatingany undesired RF current to prevent any hazard or damage to the subjectunder the surgical procedure or operation. In an embodiment, the secondelectrode may be configured to be used as a monopolar cutting blade inthe RF circuit. In an embodiment, the medical device or system mayfurther comprise a source of surgical radio frequency energy.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device comprising a first electrode; a second electrode; and athird electrode; wherein the first electrode and the second electrodeare configured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricityto form a dc circuit to ionize, and remove or reduce smoke particlesgenerated at a surgical site on a subject, and wherein the thirdelectrode is configured to be in electrical communication with orelectrically connectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energyto form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation on thesubject. In an embodiment, the device further comprises means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the device or systemfurther comprises means to control and/or monitor the RF circuit. In anembodiment, the first electrode may also be configured to be incommunication with the third electrode in the RF circuit. In anembodiment, the device may further comprise a RF current return pad.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device or system comprising a source of high voltage dcelectricity; a first electrode; a second electrode; and a thirdelectrode; wherein the first electrode and the second electrode areconfigured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to opposite poles of the source of high voltage dcelectricity to form a dc circuit to ionize, and remove or reduce smokeparticles generated at a surgical site on a subject, and wherein thefirst electrode or the second electrode is also configured to be inelectrical communication with or electrically connectable to a source ofsurgical radio frequency energy and the third electrode to form a RFcircuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation on the subject. Inan embodiment, the device or system further comprises means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the device or systemfurther comprises means to control and/or monitor the RE circuit. In anembodiment, the surgical procedure or operation is tissue sealing ortissue coagulation. In an embodiment, the dc circuit further comprises aRF isolation transformer for removing or eliminating any undesired RFcurrent to prevent any hazard or damage to the subject under thesurgical procedure or operation. In an embodiment, the second electrodemay be configured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energy and the thirdelectrode to form a RF circuit to perform tissue sealing or coagulationat a surgical site. In an embodiment, the medical device or systemfurther comprises a source of surgical radio frequency energy.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device comprising a first electrode; a second electrode; a thirdelectrode; and a fourth electrode; wherein the first electrode and thesecond electrode are configured to be in electrical communication withopposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to ionize, andremove or reduce smoke particles generated at a surgical site on asubject, and wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode areconfigured to be in communication with a source of surgical radiofrequency energy to form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure oroperation on the subject. In an embodiment, the device further comprisesmeans to control and/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, thedevice or system further comprises means to control and/or monitor theRF circuit. In an embodiment, the first electrode may also be configuredto be in communication with the RF circuit.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device or system comprising a source of high voltage dcelectricity; a first electrode; a second electrode; a third electrode;and a fourth electrode; wherein the first electrode and the secondelectrode are configured to be in electrical communication with orelectrically connectable to opposite poles of the source of high voltagedc electricity to ionize, and reduce or remove smoke particles generatedat a surgical site on a subject; and wherein the third electrode and thefourth electrode are configured to be in communication with orelectrically connectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energyto form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation on thesubject. In an embodiment, the medical device or system furthercomprises means to control and/or monitor the dc circuit. In anembodiment, the medical device or system further comprises means tocontrol and/or monitor the RF circuit. In an embodiment, the firstelectrode or the second electrode is also configured to be incommunication with or electrically connectable to the third electrode orthe fourth electrode to form a RF circuit to perform tissue cutting. Inan embodiment, the third electrode and the fourth electrode areconfigured to form a RF circuit to seal or coagulate tissues. In anembodiment, the dc circuit further comprises a RF isolation transformerfor removing or eliminating any undesired RF current to prevent anyhazard or damage to the subject under the surgical procedure oroperation. In an embodiment, the medical system may further comprise asource of surgical radio frequency energy.

In all the above embodiments, the source of high voltage dc electricitymay be from a mains power supply through a transformer and associated dcrectifier. It may also be generated remotely or may be from an outsideelectricity source. It may also be from a battery pack. In anembodiment, the battery pack may be detachable, removable, or separablefrom the device or system. In an embodiment, the battery pack may behoused within the device. In an embodiment, the battery pack may berechargeable. In an embodiment where the source of high voltage dcelectricity is from a rechargeable battery pack, it may be rechargeddirectly through contact with electrical conductors or indirectly byelectromagnetic induction. In another embodiment, the source of highvoltage dc electricity may be conveniently housed within the medicaldevice. It may also be provided in other manners known in the art.

In all the above embodiments, the medical device or system furthercomprises a dc electricity controller and/or monitor to control and/ormonitor the current circulating in the dc circuit to be within a safelimit. In all the above embodiments, the medical device or systemfurther comprises a RF current or voltage controller and/or monitor tocontrol and/or monitor the current or voltage in the RF circuit tomaintain the safety and/or the different functions of the RF circuit.

In an embodiment, the dc circuit of the medical device or system may beconfigured to be operable simultaneously, concurrently, alternatively,intermittently, or sequentially with the RF circuit to ionize and removeor reduce smoke particles while the RF circuit is turned on to perform asurgical procedure or operation. In an embodiment, the electricalcommunication of the electrodes in the dc circuit and the electricalcommunication of the electrodes in the RF circuit may be turned onsimultaneously, concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, orsequentially. In some embodiments, the dc circuit may be turned onduring or after a surgical procedure or operation.

In another embodiment, the medical device may be a standalone smokeextractor comprising an elongated member having a proximal end, a distalend, an outer surface, and a lumen extending through the elongatedmember; a first electrode attached to the distal end of the elongatedmember; a second electrode disposed over the outer surface of theelongated member; and a handle attached to the proximal end of theelongated member; wherein the first electrode and the second electrodeare configured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dcelectricity. In an embodiment, the first electrode is configured to belongitudinally movable along the lumen of the elongated member. In anembodiment, the smoke extractor further comprises means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit is disposed in the handle. In anembodiment, the smoke extractor further comprises a source of highvoltage dc electricity disposed in the handle. In an embodiment, thesource of the high voltage dc electricity is in the form of a detachablebattery pack positionable in the handle portion of the extractor. In anembodiment, the first electrode is configured to be the particleionizing electrode and the second electrode is configured to be theparticle collecting electrode. In an embodiment, the elongated member isconfigured to be tubular for easy insertion through an access port intoa surgical site on a subject.

In a further embodiment, the present disclosure also provides a methodof removing or reducing smoke related particles during a surgicalprocedure or operation on a subject, the method comprising providing asource of high voltage dc electricity; providing a device or systemaccording to any one of the above described disclosure and variationsthereof, properly connecting the device or system with the source ofhigh voltage dc electricity; properly positioning the device at asurgical site of a subject where a surgical procedure is to beperformed, and properly turning on the device or the system to ionizesmoke particles towards one electrode of the device and attract theionized smoke particles towards the other electrode of the device toremove or reduce the smoke particles from the surgical site of thesubject.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method ofremoving or reducing smoke related particles during a surgical operationon a subject, the method comprising providing a source of high voltagedc electricity; providing a device or a system according to any one ofthe above described disclosure and variations thereof wherein the deviceor system has two electrodes in the dc circuit; properly connecting thetwo electrodes with the device or the system; properly positioning thetwo electrodes of the device into a surgical site where a surgicalprocedure is to be performed; and properly turning on the device or thesystem to ionize smoke particles towards one electrode of the device andattract the ionized smoke particles towards the other electrode of thedevice to remove or reduce the smoke particles from the surgical site ofthe subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein one electrode isconfigured to perform smoke particle ionization in the dc circuit andtissue cutting in the RF circuit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the source of thehigh voltage dc electricity is disposed with the electrodes in the sameblock, and additionally, the ionizing electrode in the dc circuit isalso configured to be used as a cutting electrode in the RF circuit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the source of thehigh voltage dc electricity is disposed with the electrodes in the sameblock, and additionally, one electrode in the dc circuit is alsoconfigured to be used as a switchable sealing electrode in the RFcircuit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the source of thehigh voltage dc electricity is disposed with the electrodes in the sameblock, and additionally, one electrode in the dc circuit is alsoconfigured to be used as a non-switchable sealing electrode in the RFcircuit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the source of thehigh voltage dc electricity is disposed with the electrodes in the sameblock, and additionally, one electrode in the dc circuit is alsoconfigured to be used as a non-switchable sealing electrode in the RFcircuit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the source of thehigh voltage dc electricity is disposed separately from the electrodes,and additionally, one electrode in the dc circuit is also configured tobe used as a non-switchable sealing electrode in the RF circuit.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the source of thehigh voltage dc electricity is disposed separately from the electrodes,and additionally, one electrode in the dc circuit is also configured tobe used as the cutting electrode in the RF circuit.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the source of thehigh voltage dc electricity is disposed separately from the electrodes,and additionally, the particle collecting patch in the dc circuit isalso configured to be used as the ground pad electrode in the RFcircuit.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a device or system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the source of thehigh voltage dc electricity is disposed separately from the electrodes,and additionally, the particle collecting patch electrode in the dccircuit is configured to be movable or external.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a device or system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein thesource of the high voltage dc electricity is disposed separately fromthe electrodes, and additionally, one electrode in the dc circuit isalso configured to be used as a non-switchable sealing electrode in theRF circuit.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a device or system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the dccircuit and the RF circuit are independent and yet their respectiveelectrodes are disposed in the same block.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a device or system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein thesource of the high voltage dc electricity is disposed separately fromthe electrodes, and additionally, there is a capacitor between the twosealing electrodes in the RF circuit.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a device or system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein thesource of the high voltage dc electricity is disposed separately fromthe electrodes, and additionally, both sealing electrodes in the RFcircuit are configured to be used as one of the two electrodes in the dccircuit.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a device or system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure arranged in anoperation for the removal or reduction of smoke particles generatedduring a surgical procedure or operation at a site such as the abdomenof a subject.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure arranged in an operationfor the removal or reduction of smoke particles generated during asurgical procedure or operation at a site such as the abdomen of asubject.

FIG. 16 is another schematic representation of a device in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the two electrodesof the dc circuit and the two electrodes of the RF circuit are alldisposed in the insertable portion of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the disclosure, its principles,and its practical applications. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the disclosure in numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. The specific embodiments of thepresent disclosure as set forth are not intended to be exhaustive orlimiting of the invention. The scope of the invention should bedetermined not with reference to the above description, but should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The terms “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “someembodiments”, “other embodiments”, and similar expressions indicate thatthe embodiment or embodiments described may include a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may notnecessarily include the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring tothe same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure,or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, itwould be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to incorporatesuch feature, structure, or characteristic into other embodiments,whether or not explicitly described, unless clearly stated to thecontrary. That is, the various individual elements described below, evenif not explicitly shown in a particular combination, are neverthelesscontemplated as being combinable with each other to form otheradditional embodiments or to complement and/or enrich the describedembodiment or embodiments, as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art.

The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used herein to refer to one or tomore than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of thearticle unless otherwise clearly indicated by contrast. By way ofexample, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

The term “including” is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeablywith, the phrase “including but not limited to”. The term “or” is usedherein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the term “and/or”,unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

The term “such as” is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably,with the phrase “such as but not limited to”. Unless specifically statedor obvious from context, as used herein, the term “about” is understoodas within a range of normal acceptance in the art, for example withinstandard deviations of the mean.

In this specification the terms such as “particles”, “smoke”, “fog”,“smoke particles”, and related terms are intended to encompass anyparticles, or molecules or matter suspended in an atmosphere includingsuspended droplets formed by heat or cold.

In this specification, the term “a dc circuit” means that the componentsof the circuit are powered by a source of direct current voltageelectricity. It does not mean it is a closed system. It may comprisefurther components in addition to those explicitly indicated ones. It ismainly used throughout the specification for the purpose ofdifferentiating it from a RF circuit where a radio frequency energysource is used.

In this specification, the term “a RF circuit” means that the componentsof the circuit are powered by a source of surgical radio frequencyenergy. It does not mean it is a closed system. It may comprise furthercomponents in addition to those explicitly indicated ones. It is mainlyused throughout the specification for the purpose of differentiating itfrom a dc circuit where a direct current (dc) electricity energy sourceis used.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device comprising a first electrode and a second electrodewherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured tobe in electrical communication with or electrically connectable toopposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to form a dccircuit to ionize, and remove or reduce smoke particles generated at asurgical site on a subject, and wherein the first or the secondelectrode is also configured to be in electrical communication with orelectrically connectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energyto form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure on the subject. Inan embodiment, the device further comprises means to control and/ormonitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the device further comprisesmeans to control and/or monitor the RF circuit. In an embodiment, thefirst electrode may be configured to be used both as an ionizingelectrode in the dc circuit and as a cutting electrode in the RF circuitas well. In an embodiment, the second electrode may also be configuredas a RE current return pad in the RF circuit. In an embodiment, thedevice may further comprise a RF current return pad in the RF circuit.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device or system comprising a source of high voltage dcelectricity; a first electrode; and a second electrode; wherein thefirst electrode and the second electrode are configured to be inelectrical communication with or electrically connectable to oppositepoles of the source of high voltage dc electricity to form a dc circuitto ionize, and reduce or remove smoke particles, and wherein the firstor the second electrode is also configured to be in communication withor electrically connectable to a source of surgical radio frequencyenergy to form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure oroperation. In an embodiment, the device or system further comprisesmeans to control and/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, thedevice or system further comprises means to control and/or monitor theRF circuit. In an embodiment, the first electrode may be configured tobe used as an ionizing electrode in the dc circuit and as a tissuecutting blade in the RF circuit as well. In an embodiment, the devicemay further comprise a RF current return pad. In an embodiment, the RFcurrent return pad may also be configured to be used as a smoke particlecollecting patch in the dc circuit to remove or reduce smoke particlesfrom the surgical site. In an embodiment where the RF current return padis used as a smoke particle collecting patch in the dc circuit, thefirst electrode is then configured to be used as an ionizing electrodein the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the dc circuit further comprises aRF isolation transformer for removing or eliminating any undesired RFcurrent to prevent any hazard or damage to the subject under thesurgical procedure or operation. In an embodiment, the second electrodemay be configured to be used as a monopolar cutting blade in the REcircuit. In an embodiment, the medical system further comprises a sourceof surgical radio frequency energy.

In an embodiment where the first electrode is configured to be used asan ionizing electrode to ionize smoke particles, the second electrode isthen configured to be used as a smoke particle collecting electrode toattract and collect the ionized smoke particles towards the secondelectrode, and consequently removing or reducing smoke particles fromthe surgical site. In this embodiment, the second electrode isconfigured to have a large surface area in order to facilitate thecollection of the ionized smoke particles. In this embodiment, both ofthe first and the second electrodes may be configured to be positionableat or near the surgical site. In this embodiment, the second electrodemay be disposed over the first electrode with insulating material toseparate the two electrodes from direct physical contacts. Theinsulating material may be Al₂O₃, boron nitride, porcelain, steatite,zirconia, PTFE, reinforced mica, silicon rubber, or other ceramicmaterials such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,970,088 and 6,942,662.In this embodiment, the second electrode may be made to be tubular. Inthis embodiment, the first electrode may be a needle or lancet type ofelectrode for better ionization.

It would be appreciated that methods and materials for manufacturingdifferent types of electrodes are well known in the art, for example, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,862,890, 4,958,539, 8,357,155, and8,852,183. It should be understood that all the electrodes describedthroughout this disclosure may be similarly made. Consequently, nofurther additional descriptions of electrodes will be attempted forsubsequent sections unless otherwise specifically indicated.

In an embodiment where the first electrode in the dc circuit isconfigured to be used as a smoke particle collecting patch in the dccircuit and as the RF current return pad in the RF circuit, the secondelectrode in the dc circuit is then configured to be used as a smokeparticle ionizing electrode. The second electrode may also be configuredto be used as a cutting blade for cutting tissues. In this embodiment,the RF current return pad may be made separate or detachable from thesite of the surgical procedure or operation. In this embodiment, the RFcurrent return pad may be positioned away from the surgical site such asunder the skin of the subject.

In an embodiment where the electrode is configured to be used as acutting blade, smoke particles may be produced during the cuttingprocess. These smoke particles may be ionized and removed or reduced bythe electrodes in the dc circuit disposed in the same device. In anembodiment, the dc circuit may be powered by a battery pack. In anembodiment, the battery pack may be detachable or rechargeable.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device comprising a handle member; an elongated member attachedto the handle member, the elongated member having a proximal end, adistal end, an outer surface, and a lumen extending through theelongated member; a first electrode disposed inside the lumen of theelongated member; and a second electrode disposed over the outer surfaceof the elongated member; wherein the first electrode and the secondelectrode are configured to be in electrical communication with orelectrically connectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltagedc electricity to form a dc circuit to ionize, and to reduce or removesmoke particles, and wherein the first electrode is also configured tobe in electrical communication with or electrically connectable to asource of surgical radio frequency energy to form a RF circuit toperform a surgical procedure or operation. In an embodiment, the medicaldevice further comprises means to control and/or monitor the dc circuit.In an embodiment, the medical device further comprises means to controland/or monitor the RF circuit. In an embodiment, the device may furthercomprise a source of high voltage dc electricity detachably positionedinside the handle member. In an embodiment, the second electrode may beconfigured to be a smoke particle collecting electrode. In anembodiment, the second electrode may be configured to cover most of thesurface area of the elongated member. In an embodiment, the firstelectrode may be made to be movable along the elongated member. In anembodiment, the device may be capable of performing tissue cutting. Inan embodiment, the device may be capable of performing monopolar tissuecutting. In an embodiment where the first electrode is configured to beused in the dc circuit to ionize smoke particles, it may also beconfigured to be used as a cutting blade in the RF circuit to performtissue cutting. In an embodiment, the device may further comprise a RFcurrent return pad external to the handle.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device comprising a first electrode; a second electrode; and athird electrode; wherein the first electrode and the second electrodeare configured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricityto form a dc circuit to ionize, and remove or reduce smoke particlesgenerated at a surgical site on a subject, and wherein the thirdelectrode is configured to be in electrical communication with orelectrically connectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energyto form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure on the subject. Inan embodiment, the medical device further comprises means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the medical devicefurther comprises means to control and/or monitor the RF circuit. In anembodiment, the first electrode may also be configured to be incommunication with the third electrode in the RF circuit. In anembodiment, the device may further comprise a RF current return pad.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device or system comprising a source of high voltage dcelectricity; a first electrode; a second electrode; and a thirdelectrode; wherein the first electrode and the second electrode areconfigured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to opposite poles of the source of high voltage dcelectricity to form a dc circuit to ionize, and remove or reduce smokeparticles generated at a surgical site on a subject, and wherein thefirst electrode or the second electrode is also configured to be inelectrical communication with or electrically connectable to a source ofsurgical radio frequency energy and the third electrode to form a RFcircuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation.

In an above embodiment, the first electrode may be configured to be usedas an ionizing electrode in the dc circuit and also as a sealingelectrode in the RF circuit. In an embodiment where the first electrodeis configured to be used as both an ionizing electrode in the dc circuitand also as a sealing electrode in the RF circuit, the second electrodemay be configured to be used as a smoke particle collecting electrode toattract and collect the ionized smoke particles towards the secondelectrode, thereby removing or reducing the smoke particles from thesurgical site. In this embodiment, the second electrode may be made topossess a large surface area. In this embodiment, the second electrodemay be disposed over the first electrode through insulating material. Inthis embodiment, the second electrode may be disposed over the thirdelectrode through insulating material. In this embodiment, the secondelectrode may be disposed over both the first and the third electrodesthrough insulating material. In an embodiment, the medical device orsystem may further comprise a source of surgical radio frequency energy.

In an embodiment where the first electrode is configured to be used asan ionizing electrode in the dc circuit, the second electrode and thethird electrode may be configured to perform tissue sealing orcoagulation in the RF circuit. In an embodiment where the firstelectrode is configured to be used as an ionizing electrode in the dccircuit, the second electrode is then configured to be used as a smokeparticle collecting patch. In an embodiment, the dc circuit furthercomprises a RF isolation transformer for removing or eliminating anyundesired RF current in the dc circuit to prevent any hazard or damageto the subject under the surgical procedure or operation. In anembodiment, the second electrode may be configured to be incommunication with the third electrode to form a RF circuit to perform abipolar tissue sealing or tissue coagulation.

In an embodiment where an electrode is configured to be used both as asealing electrode in the RF circuit and as a smoke particle collectingpatch in the dc circuit, the electrode should be made to possess a largesurface area to facilitate attraction and collection of ionized smokeparticle and to more efficiently disperse the RF return current.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical system comprising a handle member; an elongated member having aproximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface, the proximal end ofthe elongated member attached to the handle member; a first electrodeattached to the distal end of the elongated member; a second electrodealso attached to the distal end of the elongated member; and a thirdelectrode disposed over the outer surface of the elongated member;wherein the first electrode and the third electrode are configured to bein electrical communication with or electrically connectable to oppositepoles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to form a dc circuit toionize, and to remove or reduce smoke particles generated at a surgicalsite on a subject, and wherein the first electrode and the secondelectrode are also configured to be in electrical communication with orelectrically connectable to the source of the surgical radio frequencyenergy to form a RE circuit to perform a surgical procedure oroperation. In an embodiment, the system may further comprise a source ofhigh voltage dc electricity detachably disposed inside the handlemember. In an embodiment, the third electrode may be configured to coverthe majority of the outer surface of the elongated member. In anembodiment the elongated member may be tubular. In an embodiment, themedical system may further comprise a source of surgical radio frequencyenergy.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device comprising a first electrode; a second electrode; a thirdelectrode; and a fourth electrode; wherein the first electrode and thesecond electrode are configured to be in electrical communication withopposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to ionize, andremove or reduce smoke particles generated at a surgical site on asubject, and wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode areconfigured to be in communication with or electrically connectable to asource of the surgical radio frequency energy to form a RF circuit toperform a surgical procedure on the subject. In an embodiment, themedical device further comprises means to control and/or monitor the dccircuit. In an embodiment, the medical device further comprises means tocontrol and/or monitor the RF circuit. In an embodiment, the firstelectrode may also be configured to be in communication with the RFcircuit.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device or system comprising a source of high voltage dcelectricity; a first electrode; a second electrode; a third electrode;and a fourth electrode; wherein the first electrode and the secondelectrode are configured to be in electrical communication with orelectrically connectable to opposite poles of the source of high voltagedc electricity to ionize, and reduce or remove smoke particles generatedat a surgical site on a subject; and wherein the third electrode and thefourth electrode are configured to be in communication with orelectrically connectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energyto form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation. In anembodiment, the medical device or system further comprises means tocontrol and/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the medicaldevice or system further comprises means to control and/or monitor theRF circuit. In an embodiment, the first electrode or the secondelectrode may also be configured to be in communication with orelectrically connectable to the third electrode or the fourth electrodeto form a RF circuit to perform tissue cutting.

In an embodiment where the first electrode is configured to be used asan ionizing electrode in the dc circuit, the second electrode isconfigured to be used as a smoke particle collecting patch in the dccircuit. In an embodiment where the first electrode is configured to beused as an ionizing electrode in the dc circuit and also as a cuttingblade in the RF circuit, the first electrode may then be configured tobe in communication with either the third electrode or the fourthelectrode to form a bipolar cutting device. In an embodiment, themedical system may further comprise a source of surgical radio frequencyenergy.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multifunctionalmedical device comprising a handle member; an elongated member attachedto the handle member, the elongated member having a proximal end, adistal end, an outer surface, and a lumen extending though the elongatedmember; a first electrode attached to the distal end of the elongatedmember; a second electrode also attached to the distal end of theelongated member; a third electrode also attached to the distal end ofthe elongated member; and a fourth electrode disposed over the outersurface of the elongated member; wherein the first electrode and thesecond electrode are configured to be in communication with orelectrically connectable to a source of surgical radio frequency energyto form a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation on asubject; and wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode areconfigured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricityto ionize, and reduce or remove smoke particles generated at a surgicalsite on the subject. In an embodiment, the third electrode may also beconfigured to be in communication with or electrically connectable tothe first electrode or the second electrode to perform a bipolar tissuecutting. In an embodiment, the third electrode may be configured to bemovable along the elongated member. In an embodiment, the medical systemmay further comprise a source of surgical radio frequency energy.

In an embodiment, the source of high voltage dc electricity may bedetachably positioned inside the handle member. In an embodiment, thefourth electrode may be made to cover the majority of the outer surfaceof the elongated member. In an embodiment, all the four electrodes maybe disposed in front portion of the elongated member. In an embodiment,all the four electrodes may be disposed in the insertable front portionof the elongated member.

In all the above embodiments, the source of high voltage dc electricitymay be from a mains power supply through a transformer and associated dcrectifier. It may also be generated remotely or may be from an outsideelectricity source. It may also be from a battery pack. In anembodiment, the battery pack may be detachable, removable, or separablefrom the device. In an embodiment, the battery pack may be housed withinthe device. In an embodiment, the battery pack may be rechargeable. Inan embodiment where the source of high voltage dc electricity is from arechargeable battery pack, it may be recharged directly through contactwith electrical conductors or indirectly by electromagnetic induction.In another embodiment, the source of high voltage dc electricity may beconveniently housed within the medical device. It may still be providedin some other manners that are within the grasp of an ordinary skilledperson in the art.

In all the above embodiments, the source of high voltage dc electricityis from an electrical supply within a range of about 1 kV to about 30kV, and preferably around 5 kV to 15 kV. Although a dc voltage of up to30 kV could be used, lower voltages will be sufficient. For examplearound 8 or 9 kV is envisaged, with a current limiting regulator in theform of a series resistor maintaining the current at a safe limit forthe patient and operator. A clean reasonably constant voltage ispreferred, but a voltage which is fluctuating could be used,particularly where the device is employed in conjunction with anelectrically driven surgical tool, provided there is no currentreversal. In this description ‘dc’ is intended to cover an oscillatingor a noisy voltage which is biased to provide current only in onedirection in a circuit.

In all the above embodiments, the device or the system further comprisesat least one dc electricity controller or monitor to control or monitorthe current circulating in the dc circuit to be within a safe limit. Inorder to improve safety it is envisaged that a control means will beprovided to monitor the current travelling in the high voltage circuit,which will stop the flow of current very quickly should the currentincrease rapidly in a short space of time, i.e. should a short circuitbe detected, for example where the second electrode touches the body ofthe patient. This will avoid or reduce accidental voltage shocks to thepatient. In addition it is possible to monitor increased impedance, andthereby detect a blocked electron emission. The current regulator iscapable of limiting the amount of current flowing across the highvoltage dc circuit to a certain amount such as less than 10 μA, forexample around 5 μA.

In all the above embodiments, the device or system further comprises atleast a RF current or voltage controller or monitor to control ormonitor the current or voltage in the RF circuit to maintain the safetyand/or efficiency of the RF circuit.

In all the above embodiments, the dc circuit further comprises a RFisolation transformer for removing or eliminating any undesired RFcurrent to prevent any hazard or damage to the subject under thesurgical procedure or operation.

In all the above relevant embodiments, the means to control the dccircuit and the means to control the RF circuit can be easily andconveniently achieved through various control means such as in the formof knobs, touches, push buttons, slides, switches and othertools/devices such as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,312,327 and 5,472,442, and PCT application publication No. WO2014/151560. These tools/devices may be handled by hand, or by foot.They may be handled remotely or automatically. The means may also be inthe form of a computer or some computerized tools with the ability tocontrol and/or monitor current or voltage both in a dc circuit and in aRF circuit.

It's to be understood throughout this disclosure that conductor orwiring lines connecting different components in the dc circuit and inthe RF circuit are all insulated from each other. These lines may beisolated (e.g. each may extend from one component to another componentwithout commonality with other lines). These lines may be joinedtogether to minimize the lines and complexity of these cable linesnecessary for connectivity. The design and construction of this type ofconductor or wiring lines are well within the grasp of a skilled personin the art.

In all the above embodiments, the source of surgical radio frequencyenergy should have a frequency of between 100 KHz and 100 MHz for tissuecutting, tissue sealing or coagulation, or tissue cauterization. Morepreferable, the frequency should be between 300 kHz and 2 MHz. Differentsurgical RF generators are known in the art for both monopolar andbipolar purposes. These surgical RF generators are well known in the artfor purposes of tissue separation or cutting, tissue coagulation orsealing, or tissue cauterization.

In an embodiment, the dc circuit of a device or system in accordancewith any one of the above described or variations thereof may beconfigured to be operable to remove or reduce smoke particlessimultaneously, concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, orsequentially while the RF circuit of the device is also in operation toperform a surgical procedure or operation. In some embodiments, the dccircuit of the device or system may be turned on during or after thesurgical procedure or operation.

In another embodiment, the medical device may be a standalone smokeextractor comprising an elongated member having a proximal end, a distalend, an outer surface, and a lumen extending through the elongatedmember; a first electrode attached to the distal end of the elongatedmember; a second electrode disposed over the outer surface of theelongated member; and a handle attached to the proximal end of theelongated member; wherein the first electrode and the second electrodeare configured to be in electrical communication with or electricallyconnectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dcelectricity. In an embodiment, the first electrode is configured to belongitudinally movable along the lumen of the elongated member. In anembodiment, the smoke extractor further comprises means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit. In an embodiment, the means to controland/or monitor the dc circuit is disposed in the handle. In anembodiment, the smoke extractor further comprises a source of highvoltage dc electricity disposed in the handle. In an embodiment, thesource of the high voltage dc electricity is in the form of a detachablebattery pack positionable in the handle portion of the extractor. In anembodiment, the first electrode is configured to be the particleionizing electrode and the second electrode is configured to be theparticle collecting electrode. In an embodiment, the elongated member isconfigured to be tubular for easy insertion through an access port intoa surgical site on a subject.

In the above embodiments, the device or system may further include anintroducer tool such as an endoscope, a catheter, an access sheath, oran access port.

In a further embodiment, the present disclosure also provides a methodof removing or reducing smoke related particles during a surgicalprocedure or operation on a subject, the method comprising providing asource of high voltage dc electricity; providing a device or systemaccording to any one of the above described disclosure and variationsthereof, properly connecting the device or system with the source ofhigh voltage dc electricity; properly positioning the device at asurgical site of a subject where a surgical procedure is to beperformed, and properly turning on the device or the system to ionizesmoke particles towards one electrode of the device and attract theionized smoke particles towards the other electrode of the device toremove or reduce the smoke particles from the surgical site of thesubject.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method ofremoving or reducing smoke related particles during a surgical operationon a subject, the method comprising providing a source of high voltagedc electricity; providing a device or a system according to any one ofthe above described disclosure and variations thereof wherein the deviceor system has two electrodes in the dc circuit; properly connecting thetwo electrodes with the device or the system; properly positioning thetwo electrodes of the device into a surgical site where a surgicalprocedure is to be performed; and properly turning on the device or thesystem to ionize smoke particles towards one electrode of the device andattract the ionized smoke particles towards the other electrode of thedevice to remove or reduce the smoke particles from the surgical site ofthe subject.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method ofremoving or reducing smoke related particles during a surgical operationon a subject, the method comprising providing a source of high voltagedc electricity; providing a source of surgical RF energy; providing adevice or a system according to any one of the above describeddisclosure and variations thereof wherein the device or system has twoelectrodes in the dc circuit and two electrodes in the RF circuit;properly connecting the two dc electrodes of the device or the systemwith the source of high voltage dc electricity; properly connecting thetwo RF electrodes of the device or system with the source of surgical RFenergy; properly positioning the device into a surgical site where asurgical procedure is to be performed; and properly actuating the RFcircuit of the device or the system to perform a surgical procedure oroperation wherein smoke particles are generated; and properly actuatingthe dc circuit of the device or system to ionize the generated smokeparticles towards one dc electrode of the device and attract the ionizedsmoke particles towards the other dc electrode of the device or systemto remove or reduce the smoke particles from the surgical site of thesubject. In an embodiment, the surgical procedure or operation isperformed with smoke particle reduction or removal simultaneously,concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, or sequentially.

It will be apparent to the skilled addressee that many modifications,variants and improvements are possible within the ambit of the inventiondefined herein. For example, a device in accordance with someembodiments as described may be employed during the extracorporealprocedure.

The principles of the present disclosure may be better understood withreference to the drawings and the accompanying descriptions, whereinlike reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identicalor similar elements. It should be understood that these drawings are notnecessarily are drawn to scale. They are presented just for illustrativepurposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure. Examples of materials, dimensions, and constructions areincluded for some elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art shouldunderstand that many of the examples provided have suitable alternativesand these alternatives should also be considered within the scope ofthis disclosure. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein forconvenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 refers to a schematic representation of a device or system inaccordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The device orsystem comprises a dc circuit and a RF circuit, each of which will beillustrated in more details below.

The dc circuit in accordance with FIG. 1 includes a high voltage dcelectrical source 1, a dc power controller 2, a RF isolation transformer3, a first electrode 9, and a second electrode 7. The electrode 7 isconfigured to be connectable to the high voltage dc electrical source 1through an insulated conductor or wiring line 101. The insulatedconductor or wiring line 101 may just be an insulated cable line. Allthe subsequent descriptions of these insulated conductor or wiring linesare expressed as cable lines or just cables for convenience unlessexplicitly expressed otherwise. The dc power controller 2 may be placedbetween the dc electrical source 1 and the electrode 7. It may also beplaced in cable line 102 to connect with the dc electrical source 1. Itmay also be placed between the cable line 101 and cable line 102 asshown in the FIG. 1. Generally, the dc power controller 2 may be placedanywhere in the dc circuit so long as it can effectively and efficientlycontrol the voltage and/or current whenever it is needed or desirable.Similarly, the RF isolation transformer 3 may also be placed anywhere inthe dc circuit even though FIG. 1 shows it is placed between the dcpower controller 2 through cable 103 and the electrode 9 through cables104 and 107. Consequently, FIG. 1 illustrates a dc circuit comprisingthe dc electrical source 1, the dc power controller 2, the RF isolationtransformer 3, the first electrode 9, the second electrode 7, and cables101, 102, 103, 104 and 107 as the functional portion of the dc circuitto perform smoke particle ionization and removal or reduction of theionized smoke particles generated at a surgical site. It will beunderstood that the dc circuit may also contain as many switches orcontrols as necessary to control or monitor the dc circuit during asurgical operation.

The high voltage dc electrical source 1 in accordance with FIG. 1 may befrom a mains power supply for the generation of the high voltagenecessary for ionization of smoke particles. But it may be replaced orsupplemented by a rechargeable storage battery. The high voltage dcelectrical source 1 may be constant or interrupted by a switch operableby a surgeon or his/her assistant, for example a thumb operated switchor a foot pedal, to provide manual control (not shown in FIG. 1).

The dc power controller 2 is included to control or monitor the currentor voltage in the dc circuit. It will, for example, stop the currentflow very quickly should the current increase rapidly in a short span oftime. This will avoid or reduce accidental voltage shocks to the subjectunder a surgical procedure or operation. Additionally, it is possible tomonitor increased impedance, and thereby detect a blocked electronemission. The dc power controller can be placed anywhere in the dccircuit as indicated above.

The RE isolation transformer 3 is incorporated into the circuit to makesure any RF current is eliminated during the dc ionization process tosafeguard the safety of the subject under the surgical procedure oroperation. It can be placed anywhere in the dc circuit as indicatedabove. Preferably, it may be placed close to the dc electrical source.The RF isolation transformer may be selected from those commerciallyavailable such as Jensen transformers, Kramer transformers and others. Aselection of a dc power controller or a RF isolation transformer shouldbe well within the ambit of a person of ordinary skill in the art.

When connected, for example, through a plug-socket mechanism, to thenegative pole of the high voltage dc electrical source 1, the electrode9 serves as the ionizing power to negatively charge the particlesgenerated at or around a surgical site. In keeping with accepted theory,it sends a stream of electrons toward the atoms of the smoke particlescausing the atoms to form negative ions and thereby becoming attractedto the positively charged electrode 7. Under this situation, theelectrode 9 may be made with a sharp tip or may include a shield and atip such as disclosed in the US application publication No.2012/0,067,212. The electrode 9 may also be made to include a positivelycharged accelerator ring. The accelerator ring improves the performanceof the electrode 9 by drawing ions in the direction of their intendedflow, in this case towards the electrode 7. The electrode 9 may furtherbe made to have a conductive rod having a tip and a shield. The shieldmay terminate in a coiled spring-like formation covering the tip andprotecting the subject from unintended trauma caused by the tip when inuse. In one version the spring is not conductive and acts solely as ashield for said protection which can retract on insertion to expose thetip, whereas in another version the spring may be conductive to improvethe performance of the electrode in producing electrons, but need not beretractable to expose the tip. In this latter configuration, it is thecoiled formation that releases the electrons to form ions as disclosedin the US application publication No. 2012/0,067,212.

As described above when the electrode 9 is connected to the negativepole of the high voltage dc electrical source, the electrode 7 is thenconnected to the positive pole of the high voltage dc electrical sourceto serve as a smoke particle collecting patch. The electrode 7 shouldaccordingly be made to have a large surface area to facilitatecollection of the negatively charged particles. The electrode 7 may alsobe made to increase its surface area through disposition over otherelectrodes in the RF circuit such as electrode 8 and electrode 10 whichwill be discussed in later paragraphs. It will be understood thatinsulating materials are needed to separate these electrodes to preventthem from interfering with each other. Methods of placing or mountingone electrode over another electrode are well known in the art, forexample, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,970,088 and 6,942,662.

The electrode 7 may be configured to be connectable with the dcelectrical source 1 similarly through a plug/socket mechanism. Forexample, a plug may be extended from the dc source 1 through aninsulated cable line to the electrode 7. Alternatively, a plug may beextended from the electrode 7 through an insulated cable line to connectwith the dc source 1.

The RF circuit in accordance with FIG. 1 includes a surgical radiofrequency energy generator 5, a third electrode 8, a fourth electrode10, and a switch 4. The RF circuit in accordance with FIG. 1 may alsoinclude the first electrode 9 of the dc circuit described above andconfigured to be connectable to the RF circuit through the switch 4.Further included in the RF circuit is a RF current and voltagecontroller (not shown) which may be placed any place in the RF circuit.The third electrode 8 is configured to be connectable to the RFgenerator 5 through the switch 4 by cables 105 and 106. The fourthelectrode 10 is configured to be connectable to the RF generator 5through cable 108. Accordingly, FIG. 1 illustrates a RF circuitcomprising the surgical RF generator 5, a RF controller (not shown), theswitch 4, the electrode 8, the electrode 9, the electrode 10, and cables105, 106, 107 and 108 as the functional portion of the RF circuit toperform a surgical procedure or operation on a subject.

The surgical RF energy generator 5 should have a frequency of between100 KHz and 100 MHz. More preferable, the frequency should be between300 kHz and 2 MHz. This type of surgical RF energy generator is wellunderstood by a person skilled in the art either for tissue cutting,cauterization, sealing or coagulation. The RF controller is included tomonitor and/or control the RF output for different purposes such ascutting, coagulation or sealing. Additional RF controllers may also beincluded in the RF circuit to control or monitor the RF circuit toguarantee the safety of the subject under a surgical procedure oroperation. This type of RF controller is also well understood and knownby a skilled person in the art.

The switch 4 in accordance with FIG. 1 may be in the form of knobs,touches, slides, push buttons, magnetic or even remote type of controls,which are all within the grasp of a skilled person in the art. It mayalso be in the form of a computer or a computerized tool. The switch 4in the RE circuit may, for example, be designed in a manner as disclosedin the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,472,442, 5,312,327 and PCT applicationpublication No. WO2014/151,560.

In accordance with FIG. 1, both the electrodes 8 and 10 are configuredto be capable of performing tissue coagulation or sealing. Consequently,these two electrodes may be made to possess larger surface area incomparison with the electrode 9 which should be made to possess smallsurface area since it is configured to be used as a cutting blade in theRF circuit. Additionally, a connecting point 12 is configured to connectthe electrode 9 into the RF circuit through the switch 4 through cable107. Cable 104 may be lumped into cable 107 to form a single cable linefor easy manipulation. It should be understood that the design of thistype of cable connections is well known by a skilled person in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1 when connected to the surgical RF energy generator 5through the switch 4, the electrode 8 may form a bipolar sealing orcoagulating device with the electrode 10. Therefore, the dc circuit maybe turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particles when the RF circuitis switched on to perform tissue sealing or coagulation at a surgicalsite of a subject. When connected to the surgical RF energy generator 5through the switch 4, the electrode 9 may be used as a cutting blade andthe electrode 10 may be used as a return current pad in the RF circuit.Consequently, the dc circuit may be turned on to remove or reduce thesmoke particles when the RF circuit is switched on to perform tissuecutting at a surgical site of a subject. The electrode 9 may beconfigured to be connectable to the RF circuit through the switch 4. Theelectrode 9 may be switched on or off the RF circuit through the switch4 depending on the need of the situation. The switch 4 may be configuredto enable the electrode 9 to perform tissue cutting and to enable theelectrodes 8 and 10 to perform tissue sealing or coagulation at the sametime. Consequently, the dc circuit may be turned on to remove or reducethe smoke particles when the RF circuit is switched on to perform tissuecutting and coagulation at a surgical site of a subject. The dc circuitmay be turned on simultaneously, concurrently, alternatively,intermittently, or sequentially when the RF circuit is switched on toperform the tissue cutting and/or coagulation. The materials and methodssuitable for making the electrodes 8, 9 and 10 are well understood inthe art for tissue cutting, sealing or coagulation, for example asdisclosed U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,862,890, 4,958,539, 8,357,155, and 8,852,183.

Consequently, a device or system in accordance with FIG. 1 may be usedas a bipolar cutting device, and/or a bipolar sealing or coagulatingdevice in addition to being used as a smoke particle extractor. It iscontemplated that the device or system may perform tissue cutting and/orcoagulation and smoke extraction simultaneously, concurrently,alternatively, intermittently, or sequentially.

Further in accordance with FIG. 1, the block 11 containing theelectrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10 may be configured to form an insertable frontportion of the device or system. Selections of size and/or dimensionand/or material of the electrodes 7, 8, 9, and 10 each for theirrespective roles as cutting, sealing or coagulating, ionizing, orparticle collecting are within the grasp of a killed person in the art.For example, the electrode 9 should be made narrow and sharp if it is tobe used as a cutting blade in the RF circuit so that it can have highcurrent density for an efficient cut, and it will also serve its purposeto be used as an ionizing source in the dc circuit. As for the electrode7, on the contrary, it is to be made to possess a large surface area ifit is to be used to attract and collect negatively charged particles.The electrode 7 or the electrode 9 may be configured to be connectableto the dc electricity source through a separate plug/socket system. Or,they may be bundled together by cables 101, 104, and 107 to form anintegrated plug/socket system to connect with the dc circuit. The block11 may also include switch 4 in the handle portion of the device foreasy and convenient operation by the operator.

In accordance with FIG. 1, the block 6 containing the dc power source 1and the RF power source 5 may form separate parts configured to beconnectable with the block 11 through a plug/socket system or othermeans that are well understood by a skilled person in the art. Theplug/socket system may also include additional hand switches and/or footpedals whenever desired or necessary.

When a device or system in accordance with FIG. 1 is put into use, thefollowing steps are contemplated: connecting the electrodes 7 and 9 withthe dc electrical source 1 properly; checking to make sure the dc powercontroller 2, the RF isolation transformer 3 and any other switchesand/or controls in the dc circuit are all in good and safe workingconditions; properly connecting the switch 4 to the electrode 9 whenperforming tissue cutting; checking to make sure the RF controller andany other switches and/or controls in the RF circuit are all in good andsafe working conditions; inserting the block 11 portion into itsintended place where a surgical procedure or operation is desired; andthen properly switching on the RF circuit to perform tissue cuttingand/or tissue sealing and properly switching on the dc circuit to ionizeand to collect smoke particles generated at a surgical site. Similarly,properly connecting the electrodes 8 and 10 through the switch 4 whenperforming tissue sealing or coagulation is desired. Likewise, properlyconnecting the electrodes 8, 9, and 10 through the switch 4 when bothperforming tissue cutting and performing tissue sealing or coagulationare desired. These steps may be repeated as many times as necessary. Thedc circuit and the RF circuit may be switched on simultaneously,concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, or sequentially.

FIG. 2 shows a variation of a device or system in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure. The device or system in accordancewith FIG. 2 shares substantial similarities with a device or system ofFIG. 1 except that the high voltage dc source 1 is configured to bedisposed in the block 11 where all the electrodes are disposed. In thisembodiment, the dc power source 1, for example, may be provided by abattery pack. The battery pack may be detachable from the device and maybe rechargeable. The dc power source 1 may be disposed in the handleportion of the device. The electrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10 may be configuredto be disposed in the front portion of the device. The electrodes 7, 8,9 and 10 may be configured to form the insertable portion of the deviceor system. The device or system in accordance with FIG. 2 may be used insubstantially similar ways as described above for FIG. 1 such as forbipolar cutting and/or bipolar tissue sealing or coagulation. A devicein accordance with FIG. 2 may be made portable such that all theelectrodes are disposed in the front portion of the device and the dcpower source is disposed in the handle portion. The device or system inaccordance with FIG. 2 may be connectable with a surgical RE generatorthrough a plug/socket system or other means well known in the art.

FIG. 3 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure. A device or system in accordancewith FIG. 3 shares many similarities with a device of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2.The significant difference comes from the fact that one of the twosealing or coagulating electrodes is incorporated into the dc circuitinstead of the cutting blade as in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. Additionally, thesealing electrode can be switched off the dc circuit through the switch4. When that happens, the cutting electrode 9 and the other sealingelectrode 10 may form a tissue cutting device in the RF circuit to cuttissues when connected to the surgical RE generator 5. When connectedwith the surgical RF energy source 5 through the switch 4 as shown inFIG. 3, the electrode 8 may form a bipolar sealing or coagulation devicewith the electrode 10 to perform tissue sealing or coagulation.Consequently, a device of FIG. 3 may be used as a bipolar cutting deviceor a bipolar sealing device substantially similar to a device of FIG. 1or FIG. 2. Also similar to a device or system of FIG. 2 in that the highvoltage dc source 1 is disposed in the same block 11 as all theelectrodes, the dc power source 1 may accordingly be provided by abattery pack. The battery pack may be detachable from the device and maybe rechargeable. The dc power source may be configured to be in thehandle portion of the device. The electrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10 may beconfigured to be disposed in the front portion of the device. Theelectrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10 may be configured to form the insertableportion of the device.

FIG. 4 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure. A device in accordance with FIG. 4shares many similarities with a device of FIG. 3. In particular, boththe device of FIG. 4 and the device of FIG. 3 use one of the two RFsealing or coagulating electrodes in the dc circuit. A device or systemin accordance with FIG. 4, however, is configured to incorporate thenon-switchable sealing electrode 10 into the dc circuit, meaning theelectrode cannot be switched off the dc circuit by the switch 4.Instead, it is a fixed part of the RF circuit. Consequently, whenconnected with the electrode 8 through the switch 4, the electrode 10may form a bipolar tissue sealing or coagulation device in the RFcircuit. Yet when connected with the electrode 9 through the switch 4,the electrode 10 may form a bipolar tissue cutting device in the RFcircuit. As a result, a device or system of FIG. 4 may be used as abipolar cutting device or a bipolar sealing device substantially similarto a device of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3. Also similar to a device orsystem of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 in that the high voltage dc source 1 isdisposed in the same block 11 as the electrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10, the dcpower source 1 may accordingly be provided by a battery pack. Thebattery pack may be detachable from the device and may be rechargeable.The dc power source may be configured to be disposed in the handleportion of the device. The electrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10 may be configuredto be disposed in the front portion of the device. A device inaccordance with FIG. 4 may be similarly operable as a device of FIG. 1,FIG. 2, or FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows another variation of a device in accordance with one aspectof the present disclosure. The device contains a dc circuit and a RFcircuit. The dc circuit includes a high voltage dc electrical source 1,a dc power controller 2, a RF isolation transformer 3, a first electrode8, and a second electrode 7. The electrode 7 is configured to beconnectable to the high voltage dc electrical source 1 through aninsulated conductor or wiring line 101. As previously described, the dcpower controller 2 may be placed anywhere in the dc circuit so long asit can effectively and efficiently control the voltage and/or currentwhenever it is needed or desirable. Similarly, the RE isolationtransformer 3 may also be placed anywhere in the dc circuit even thoughFIG. 5 shows it is placed between the dc power controller 2 throughcable 103 and the electrode 8 through cables 104 and 105. Consequently,FIG. 5 illustrates a dc circuit comprising the dc electrical source 1,the dc power controller 2, the RF isolation transformer 3, the firstelectrode 8, the second electrode 7, and cables 101, 102, 103, 104 and105 as the functional portion of the dc circuit to perform smokeparticle ionization and removal or reduction of the ionized smokeparticles generated at a surgical site. It will be understood that thedc circuit of FIG. 7 performs smoke particle reduction or removal inways similar to what was previously described for FIG. 1. It will alsobe understood that the dc circuit may contain as many switches orcontrols as necessary to control or monitor the dc circuit.

The RE circuit in accordance with FIG. 5 includes a surgical radiofrequency energy generator 5, the electrode 8, and a third electrode 10.As a result, the electrode 8 is included both in the dc circuit and inthe RF circuit. Also included in the RF circuit is at least a RF currentand voltage controller (not shown) which may be placed any place in theRF circuit. The third electrode 10 is connected to the surgical RFgenerator 5 through cable 108. The electrode 8 is connected to thesurgical RF generator 5 through cables 105 and 106. Accordingly, FIG. 5illustrates a RF circuit comprising the RF generator 5, a RF controller(not shown), the electrode 8, the electrode 10, and cables 105, 106, and108 as the functional portion of the RF circuit to perform a surgicalprocedure or operation on a subject.

As shown in FIG. 5, when connected to the RF surgical RF energygenerator 5 through cables 105 and 106, the electrode 8 may form abipolar sealing or coagulating device with the electrode 10. Therefore,the dc circuit may be turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particleswhen the RF circuit is switched on to perform tissue sealing orcoagulation at a surgical site of a subject. The dc circuit may beturned on simultaneously, concurrently, alternatively, intermittently,or sequentially when the RF circuit is switched on to perform the tissuesealing or coagulation.

In accordance with FIG. 5, the block 11 containing the electrodes 7, 8,and 10 may be configured to form an insertable front portion of thedevice or system. Selections of size and/or dimension and/or material ofthe electrodes 7, 8, and 10 each for their respective roles as sealingor coagulating, ionizing, or collecting are within the grasp of a killedperson in the art. For example, the electrode 7 should be made narrowand sharp if it is to be used as an ionizing source in the dc circuit.As for the electrode 8, on the contrary, it is to be made to possess alarge surface area if it is to be used to attract and collect negativelycharged particles. The electrode 7 or the electrode 8 may be configuredto be connectable to the dc electricity source through a separateplug/socket system. Or, they may be bundled together by cables 101 and104 and 105 to form an integrated plug/socket system to connect with thedc circuit. Moreover, since the high voltage dc electrical source 1shares the same block with the electrodes 7, 8, and 10, the dcelectrical source 1, for example, may be provided by a battery pack. Thebattery pack may be detachable from the device and may be rechargeable.The dc electrical source 1 may be configured to be disposed in thehandle portion of the device. The electrodes 7, 8, and 10 may beconfigured to be disposed in the front portion of the device.

FIG. 6 shows another variation of a device in accordance with one aspectof present disclosure. The device in accordance with FIG. 6 sharessubstantial similarities with a device of FIG. 5 except that the highvoltage dc source 1 of FIG. 6 is separately disposed in the block 6instead of the block 11. As a result, the connection of the block 11containing the electrodes 7 and 8 in the dc circuit with the block 6containing the dc electrical source 1 may be through a plug/socketmechanism, or through some other mechanisms known in the art. Also, theblock 11 containing the electrodes 7, 8, and 10 may be configured to bedisposed in the front portion of the device. The electrodes 7, 8, and 10may be configured to form an insertable portion of the device. A devicein accordance with FIG. 6 may be made portable such that all theelectrodes are disposed in the front portion of the device and that itis connectable with a RF generator through a plug/socket system or othermeans well known in the art.

The device or system in accordance with FIG. 6 may be used insubstantially similar ways as described for a device of FIG. 5. It maybe particularly suitable for removing or reducing smoke particlesgenerated during bipolar tissue sealing or coagulation by the device.

FIG. 7 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure. The device contains a dc circuitand a RF circuit. The dc circuit includes a high voltage dc electricalsource 1, a dc power controller 2, a RF isolation transformer 3, a firstelectrode 8, and a second electrode 7. The electrode 7 is connected tothe high voltage dc electrical source 1 through an insulated conductoror wiring line 101. As described previously, the dc power controller 2may be placed anywhere in the dc circuit so long as it can effectivelyand efficiently control the voltage and/or current whenever it is neededor desirable. Similarly, the RF isolation transformer 3 may also beplaced anywhere in the dc circuit even though FIG. 7 shows it is placedbetween the dc power controller 2 through cable 103 and the electrode 8through cables 104 and 105. Consequently, FIG. 7 illustrates a dccircuit comprising the dc electrical source 1, the dc power controller2, the RF isolation transformer 3, the first electrode 8, the secondelectrode 7, and cables 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 as the functionalportion of the dc circuit to perform smoke particle ionization andremoval or reduction of the ionized smoke particles generated at asurgical site. It will be understood that the dc circuit of FIG. 7performs smoke particle reduction or removal in ways similar to what waspreviously described for FIG. 1. It will also be understood that the dccircuit may contain as many switches and/or controls as necessary tocontrol or monitor the dc circuit.

The RE circuit in accordance with FIG. 7 includes a surgical radiofrequency energy generator 5, a RF current return pad 13, and theelectrode 8. As a result, the electrode 8 is incorporated into both thedc circuit and the RF circuit as well. Also included in the RE circuitis a RE current and voltage controller (not shown) which may be placedany place in the RE circuit. Accordingly, FIG. 7 illustrates a RFcircuit comprising the RF generator 5, a RF controller (not shown), theelectrode 8, the RF current return pad 13, and cables 105, 106, and 108as the functional portion of the RF circuit to perform a surgicalprocedure or operation on a subject.

As shown in FIG. 7, when connected to the RF surgical RF energygenerator 5 through cables 105 and 106, the electrode 8 may form amonopolar cutting device with the RF current return pad 13. Therefore,the dc circuit may be turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particleswhen the RF circuit is switched on to perform tissue cutting at asurgical site of a subject. The dc circuit may be turned onsimultaneously, concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, orsequentially when the RF circuit is switched on to perform the tissuecutting.

FIG. 8 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure. The device contains a dc circuitand a RF circuit. The dc circuit includes a high voltage dc electricalsource 1, a dc power controller 2, a RF isolation transformer 3, a firstelectrode 7, and a second electrode 13. The electrode 7 is configured tobe connectable to the high voltage dc electrical source 1 through aninsulated conductor or wiring line 101. As described previously, the dcpower controller 2 may be placed anywhere in the dc circuit so long asit can effectively and efficiently control the voltage and/or currentwhenever it is needed or desirable. Similarly, the RF isolationtransformer 3 may also be placed anywhere in the do circuit even thoughFIG. 8 shows it is placed between the dc power controller 2 throughcable 103 and the electrode 13 through cable 104. Consequently, FIG. 8illustrates a dc circuit comprising the dc electrical source 1, the dcpower controller 2, the RE isolation transformer 3, the first electrode7, the second electrode 13, and cables 101, 102, 103, and 104 as thefunctional portion of the dc circuit to perform smoke particleionization and removal or reduction of the ionized smoke particlesgenerated at a surgical site. It will be understood that the dc circuitof FIG. 8 performs smoke particle reduction or removal in ways similarto what was previously described for FIG. 1. It will also be understoodthat the dc circuit may contain as many switches or controls asnecessary to control or monitor the dc circuit.

The RF circuit in accordance with FIG. 8 includes a radio frequencyenergy generator 5, a third electrode 8, and the electrode 13. As aresult, the electrode 13 is configured to be included both in the dccircuit and in the RF circuit. More particularly, the electrode 13 inaccordance with FIG. 8 is configured to be an ionized particlecollecting patch in the dc circuit and a RE current return pad in the RFcircuit. Also included in the RF circuit is a RF current and voltagecontroller (not shown) which may be placed any place in the RF circuit.Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates a RF circuit comprising the RF generator5, a RE controller (not shown), the electrode 8, the RF current returnpad 13, and cables 105, and 108 as the functional portion of the RFcircuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation on a subject.

As shown in FIG. 8, when connected to the RF surgical RF energygenerator 5 through cable 105, the electrode 8 may form a monopolarcutting device with the RF current return pad 13. Therefore, the dccircuit may be turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particles whenthe RF circuit is switched on to perform tissue cutting at a surgicalsite of a subject. The dc circuit may be turned on simultaneously,concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, or sequentially when the RFcircuit is switched on to perform the tissue cutting.

FIG. 9 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure. The device contains a dc circuitand a RF circuit. The dc circuit of FIG. 9 includes a high voltage dcelectrical source 1, a dc power controller 2, a RF isolation transformer3, a first electrode 7, and a second electrode 13. The electrode 7 isconfigured to be connectable to the high voltage dc electrical source 1through an insulated conductor or wiring line 101. As describedpreviously, the dc power controller 2 may be placed anywhere in the dccircuit so long as it can effectively and efficiently control thevoltage and/or current whenever it is needed or desirable. Similarly,the RE isolation transformer 3 may also be placed anywhere in the dccircuit even though FIG. 9 shows it is placed between the dc powercontroller 2 through cable 103 and the electrode 13 through cable 104.Consequently, FIG. 9 illustrates a dc circuit comprising the dcelectrical source 1, the dc power controller 2, the RF isolationtransformer 3, the first electrode 7, the second electrode 13, andcables 101, 102, 103 and 104 as the functional portion of the dc circuitto perform smoke particle ionization and removal or reduction of theionized smoke particles generated at a surgical site. It will beunderstood that the dc circuit of FIG. 9 performs smoke particlereduction or removal in ways similar to what was previously describedfor FIG. 1. It will also be understood that the dc circuit may containas many switches or controls as necessary to control or monitor the dccircuit.

The RF circuit in accordance with FIG. 9 includes a radio frequencyenergy generator 5, a third electrode 8, and a fourth electrode 10. Alsoincluded in the RF circuit is a RF current and voltage controller (notshown) which may be placed any place in the RF circuit. Accordingly,FIG. 9 illustrates a RF circuit comprising the RF generator 5, a RFcontroller (not shown), the electrode 8, the electrode 10, and cables105 and 108 as the functional portion of the RF circuit to perform asurgical procedure or operation on a subject.

As shown in FIG. 9, when connected to the surgical RF energy generator 5through cable 105, the electrode 8 may form a bipolar tissue sealing orcoagulation device with the electrode 10. Therefore, the dc circuit maybe turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particles when the RF circuitis switched on to perform tissue sealing or coagulation at a surgicalsite of a subject. The dc circuit may be turned on simultaneously,concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, or sequentially when the RFcircuit is switched on to perform the tissue sealing or coagulation.

In accordance with FIG. 9, the block 11 containing the electrodes 7, 8,and 10 may be configured to form an insertable front portion of thedevice or system. Selections of size and/or dimension and/or material ofthe electrodes 7, 8, and 10 each for their respective roles as sealingor coagulating, or ionizing are within the grasp of a skilled person inthe art. For example, the electrode 7 should be similarly made as theelectrode 9 of a device of FIG. 1 for the purpose as an ionizingelectrode in the dc circuit. As for the electrode 13, on the contrary,it is to be made to possess a large surface area to attract and collectnegatively charged particles.

In accordance with FIG. 9, the block 6 containing the dc power source 1and the RE power source 5 may form separate parts configured to beconnectable with the block 11 through a plug/socket system or othermeans that are well understood by a skilled person in the art. Theplug/socket system may also include additional hand switches and/or footpedals whenever desired or necessary.

FIG. 10 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure. The device contains a dc circuitand a RF circuit. The dc circuit of FIG. 10 includes a high voltage dcelectrical source 1, a dc power controller 2, a RF isolation transformer3, a first electrode 7, and a second electrode 8. The electrode 7 isconfigured to be connectable to the high voltage dc electrical source 1through an insulated conductor or wiring line 101. As previouslydescribed, the dc power controller 2 may be placed anywhere in the dccircuit so long as it can effectively and efficiently control thevoltage and/or current whenever it is needed or desirable. Similarly,the RF isolation transformer 3 may also be placed anywhere in the dccircuit even though FIG. 10 shows it is placed between the dc powercontroller 2 through cable 103 and the electrode 8 through cables 104and 107. Consequently, FIG. 10 illustrates a dc circuit comprising thedc electrical source 1, the dc power controller 2, the RF isolationtransformer 3, the first electrode 7, the second electrode 8, and cables101, 102, 103, 104, and 107 as the functional portion of the dc circuitto perform smoke particle ionization and removal or reduction of theionized smoke particles generated at a surgical site. It will beunderstood that the dc circuit of FIG. 10 performs smoke particlereduction or removal in ways similar to what was previously describedfor FIG. 1. It will also be understood that the dc circuit may containadditional switches or controls as necessary to control or monitor thedc circuit.

The RF circuit in accordance with FIG. 10 includes a radio frequencyenergy generator 5, a third electrode 10, and the electrode 8. As aresult, the electrode 8 is configured to be included both in the dccircuit and in the RF circuit. Further included in the RF circuit is aRE current and voltage controller (not shown) which may be placed anyplace in the RF circuit. Accordingly, FIG. 10 illustrates a RF circuitcomprising the RE generator 5, a RF controller (not shown), theelectrode 8, the electrode 10, and cables 106, 107 and 108 as thefunctional portion of the RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure oroperation on a subject. It will be understood that the RF circuit mayalso contain additional switches or controls as necessary to control ormonitor the RF circuit.

As shown in FIG. 10, when connected to the surgical RF energy generator5 through cables 105 and 107, the electrode 8 may form a bipolar tissuesealing or coagulation device with the electrode 10. Therefore, the dccircuit may be turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particles whenthe RF circuit is switched on to perform tissue sealing or coagulationat a surgical site of a subject. The dc circuit may be turned onsimultaneously, concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, orsequentially when the RF circuit is switched on to perform the tissuesealing or coagulation.

In accordance with FIG. 10, the block 11 containing the electrodes 7, 8,and 10 may be configured to form an insertable front portion of thedevice or system. Selections of size and/or dimension and/or material ofthe electrodes 7, 8, and 10 each for their respective roles as sealingor coagulating, ionizing, or particle collecting are within the grasp ofa skilled person in the art. For example, the electrode 7 may besimilarly made as the electrode 9 of a device of FIG. 1 if it is to beused as an ionizing electrode in the dc circuit. As for the electrode 8,on the contrary, it should be made to possess a large surface area if itis used to attract and collect negatively charged particles in the dccircuit.

In accordance with FIG. 10, the block 6 containing the dc power source 1and the RF power source 5 may form separate parts configured to beconnectable with the block 11 through a plug/socket system or othermeans that are well understood by a skilled person in the art. Theplug/socket system may also include additional hand switches and/or footpedals whenever desired or necessary.

It will be appreciated that when a device in accordance with FIG. 10 isput into use, the specific steps of using it are contemplated to besimilar to those previously described, or may be easily adapted based onprevious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. The device contains a dccircuit and a RF circuit. The dc circuit includes a high voltage dcelectrical source 1, a dc power controller (not shown), a RF isolationtransformer (not shown), a first electrode 7, and a second electrode 14.The electrode 7 is configured to be connectable to the high voltage dcelectrical source 1 through an insulated conductor or wiring line 101.As previously described, the dc power controller may generally be placedanywhere in the dc circuit so long as it can effectively and efficientlycontrol the voltage and/or current whenever it is needed or desirable.Similarly, the RF isolation transformer may also be placed anywhere inthe dc circuit. Consequently, FIG. 11 illustrates a dc circuitcomprising the dc electrical source 1, the first electrode 7, the secondelectrode 14, and cables 101 and 102 as the functional portion of the dccircuit to perform smoke particle ionization and removal or reduction ofthe ionized smoke particles generated at a surgical site. It will beunderstood that the dc circuit of FIG. 11 performs smoke particlereduction or removal in ways similar to what was previously describedfor FIG. 1. It will also be understood that the dc circuit may containas many additional switches or controls as necessary to control ormonitor the dc circuit.

The RE circuit in accordance with FIG. 11 includes a radio frequencyenergy generator 5, a third electrode 8, a fourth electrode 9, a fifthelectrode 10, and a switch 4. Also included in the RF circuit is acapacitor 19 between the electrode 8 and the electrode 10. The capacitorallows the energy to go through to the electrode tips depending on theoutput of the capacitor. The function of this capacitor is wellunderstood in the art. Further included in the RF circuit is a RFcurrent and voltage controller (not shown) which may be placed any placein the RE circuit. The electrode 8 is configured to be connectable tothe RF generator 5 through the switch 4 by cables 105 and 106. Theelectrode 9 is also configured to be connectable to the RF generator 5through the switch 4 by cables 107 and 106. Accordingly, FIG. 11illustrates a RF circuit comprising the RF generator 5, a RF controller(not shown), the switch 4, the electrode 8, the electrode 9, theelectrode 10, the capacitor 19, and cables 105, 106, 107 and 108 as thefunctional portion of the RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure oroperation on a subject.

As shown in FIG. 11 when connected to the surgical RE energy generator 5through the switch 4, the electrode 8 may form a bipolar sealing orcoagulating device with the electrode 10. Therefore, the dc circuit maybe turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particles when the RF circuitis switched on to perform tissue sealing or coagulation at a surgicalsite of a subject. When connected to the surgical RF energy generator 5through the switch 4, the electrode 9 may be used as a cutting blade andthe electrode 10 may be used as a return current pad in the RF circuit.Consequently, the dc circuit may be turned on to remove or reduce thesmoke particles when the RF circuit is switched on to perform tissuecutting at a surgical site of a subject. The switch 4 may be configuredto enable the electrode 9 to perform tissue cutting and to also enablethe electrodes 8 and 10 to perform tissue sealing or coagulation at thesame time. Consequently, the dc circuit may be turned on to remove orreduce the smoke particles when the RF circuit is switched on to performtissue cutting and coagulation at a surgical site of a subject. The dccircuit may be turned on simultaneously, concurrently, alternatively,intermittently, or sequentially when the RF circuit is switched on toperform the tissue cutting or the coagulating.

In accordance with FIG. 11, the block 11 containing the electrodes 7, 8,9 and 10 may be configured to form an insertable front portion of thedevice or system. Again, the materials and methods suitable for makingthe electrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10 are well understood in the art for tissuecutting, sealing or coagulation as similarly described for a device ofFIG. 1.

In accordance with FIG. 11, the block 6 containing the dc power source 1and the RF power source 5 may form separate parts configured to beconnectable with the block 11 through a plug/socket system or othermeans that are well understood by a skilled person in the art. Theplug/socket system may also include additional hand switches and/or footpedals whenever desired or necessary.

FIG. 12 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. The device contains a dccircuit and a RF circuit. The dc circuit includes a high voltage doelectrical source 1, a dc power controller (not shown), a RF isolationtransformer 3, a first electrode 7, and a second electrode 9. Theelectrode 7 is configured to be connectable to the high voltage dcelectrical source 1 through an insulated conductor or wiring line 101.As previously described, the dc power controller may generally be placedanywhere in the dc circuit so long as it can effectively and efficientlycontrol the voltage and/or current whenever it is needed or desirable.Similarly, the RF isolation transformer may also be placed anywhere inthe dc circuit even though FIG. 12 shows it is placed between theelectrode 9 and the dc electrical source 1. Consequently, FIG. 12illustrates a dc circuit comprising the dc electrical source 1, thefirst electrode 7, the second electrode 9, and cables 101, 103, 104, and107 as the functional portion of the do circuit to perform smokeparticle ionization and removal or reduction of the ionized smokeparticles generated at a surgical site. It will be understood that thedc circuit of FIG. 12 performs smoke particle reduction or removal inways similar to what was previously described for FIG. 1. It will alsobe understood that the dc circuit may contain as many additionalswitches or controls as necessary to control or monitor the dc circuit.

The RF circuit in accordance with FIG. 12 includes a radio frequencyenergy generator 5, a third electrode 8, a fourth electrode 10, a switch4, and the electrode 9. Consequently, the electrode 9 is configured tobe included both in the dc circuit and in the RF circuit. Moreparticularly, it is configured to be connectable with the RF circuitthrough the switch 4. Also included in the RF circuit is a capacitor 19placed between the electrode 8 and the electrode 10. Further included inthe RE circuit is a RF current and voltage controller (not shown) whichmay be placed any place in the RF circuit. The electrode 8 is configuredto be connectable to the surgical RF energy generator 5 through theswitch 4 by cables 105 and 106. Accordingly, FIG. 12 illustrates a RFcircuit comprising the surgical RE energy generator 5, a RF controller(not shown), the switch 4, the electrode 8, the electrode 9, theelectrode 10, the capacitor 19, and cables 105, 106, 107 and 108 as thefunctional portion of the RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure oroperation on a subject.

As shown in FIG. 12 when connected to the surgical RF energy generator 5through the switch 4, the electrode 8 may form a bipolar sealing orcoagulating device with the electrode 10. Therefore, the dc circuit maybe turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particles when the RF circuitis switched on to perform tissue sealing or coagulation at a surgicalsite of a subject. When connected to the surgical RF energy generator 5through the switch 4, the electrode 9 may be used as a cutting blade andthe electrode 10 may be used as a return current pad in the RF circuit.Consequently, the dc circuit may be turned on to remove or reduce thesmoke particles when the RF circuit is switched on to perform tissuecutting at a surgical site of a subject. The dc circuit may be turned onsimultaneously, concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, orsequentially when the RE circuit is switched on to perform the tissuecutting or the coagulating.

In accordance with FIG. 12, the block 11 containing the electrodes 7, 8,9 and 10 may be configured to form an insertable front portion of thedevice or system. Again, the materials and methods suitable for makingthe electrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10 are well understood in the art for tissuecutting, sealing or coagulation, ionization, or particle collection assimilarly described for a device of FIG. 1.

In accordance with FIG. 12, the block 6 containing the dc power source 1and the RF power source 5 may form separate parts configured to beconnectable with the block 11 through a plug/socket system or othermeans that are well understood by a skilled person in the art. Theplug/socket system may also include additional hand switches and/or footpedals whenever desired or necessary.

FIG. 13 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone aspect of the present invention. The device contains a dc circuitand a RF circuit. The dc circuit includes high voltage dc electricalsource 1, a dc power controller (not shown), a RF isolation transformer3, a first electrode 7, a second electrode 8, and a third electrode 10.The electrode 7 is configured to be connectable to the high voltage dcelectrical source 1 through an insulated conductor or wiring line 101.As previously described, the dc power controller may be placed anywherein the dc circuit so long as it can effectively and efficiently controlthe voltage and/or current whenever it is needed or desirable.Similarly, the RF isolation transformer 3 may also be placed anywhere inthe dc circuit even though FIG. 13 shows it is placed between the dcelectrical source 1 through cable 103 and the electrodes 8 and 10through cable 104. Consequently, FIG. 12 illustrates a dc circuitcomprising the dc electrical source 1, the first electrode 7, the secondelectrode 8, the third electrode 10, and cables 102, 103, 104, and 105as the functional portion of the dc circuit to perform smoke particleionization and removal or reduction of the ionized smoke particlesgenerated at a surgical site. It will be understood that the dc circuitof FIG. 13 performs smoke particle reduction or removal in ways similarto what was previously described for FIG. 1. It will also be understoodthat the dc circuit may contain as many additional switches or controlsas necessary to control or monitor the dc circuit.

The RF circuit in accordance with FIG. 13 includes a radio frequencyenergy generator 5, a fourth electrode 9, the second electrode 8, thethird electrode 10, and a switch 4. As a result, both the electrode 8and the electrode 10 are configured to be included in the dc circuit andin the RF circuit as well. Also included in the RF circuit is acapacitor 19 between the electrode 8 and the electrode 10. Furtherincluded in the RE circuit is a RF current and voltage controller (notshown) which may be placed any place in the RF circuit. The electrode 8is configured to be connectable to the RF generator 5 through the switch4 by cables 105 and 106. The electrode 9 is also configured to beconnectable to the RF generator 5 through the switch 4 by cables 107 and106. Accordingly, FIG. 13 illustrates a RF circuit comprising the RFgenerator 5, a RF controller (not shown), the switch 4, the electrode 8,the electrode 9, the electrode 10, the capacitor 19, and cables 105,106, 107 and 108 as the functional portion of the RF circuit to performa surgical procedure or operation on a subject.

As shown in FIG. 13 when connected to the surgical RF energy generator 5through the switch 4, the electrode 8 may form a bipolar sealing orcoagulating device with the electrode 10. Therefore, the dc circuit maybe turned on to remove or reduce the smoke particles when the RF circuitis switched on to perform tissue sealing or coagulation at a surgicalsite of a subject. When connected to the surgical RF energy generator 5through the switch 4, the electrode 9 may be used as a cutting blade andthe electrode 10 may be used as a return current pad in the RF circuit.Consequently, the dc circuit may be turned on to remove or reduce thesmoke particles when the RF circuit is switched on to perform tissuecutting at a surgical site of a subject. The dc circuit may be turned onsimultaneously, concurrently, alternatively, intermittently, orsequentially when the RF circuit is switched on to perform the tissuecutting or the coagulating.

In accordance with FIG. 13, the block 11 containing the electrodes 7, 8,9 and 10 may be configured to form an insertable front portion of thedevice or system. The materials and methods suitable for making theelectrodes 7, 8, 9 and 10 are well understood in the art for tissuecutting, sealing or coagulation, ionization, and particle collection assimilarly described for a device of FIG. 1.

In accordance with FIG. 13, the block 6 containing the dc power source 1and the RF power source 5 may form separate parts configured to beconnectable with the block 11 through a plug/socket system or othermeans that are well understood by a skilled person in the art. Theplug/socket system may also include additional hand switches and/or footpedals whenever desired or necessary.

FIG. 14 shows another variation of a device or system in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure when it is desired to remove orreduce smoke particles from a surgical site such as the abdomen of asubject. The system in accordance with FIG. 14 comprises a dc circuitand a RF circuit. The dc circuit comprises a high voltage dc electricalsource box 1, an electrode 9, and an electrode 7. The dc electricalsource box 1 may be configured to include a dc electrical source, acurrent/voltage controller, and a RF isolation transformer. The box 1may be configured to be disposed in the handle portion of the device, orit may be configured to be detachable from the device. The dc circuitmay be powered by a battery pack if the box 1 is configured to bedisposed in the handle portion of the device. The RF circuit comprises aRF energy source 5, an electrode 10, a RF current return pad 13, theelectrode 9, and a switch 4. As a result, the electrode 9 is configuredto be in the dc circuit and also in the RF circuit as well. Theelectrodes 7, 9, and 10 are configured to form the insertable portion ofthe device. The device is inserted through a cannula (not shown) into asurgical site such as the abdomen region 201 of a subject. Additionally,both the dc circuit and the RF circuit may contain additional switchesor controllers as necessary to control or monitor the dc circuit and theRE circuit. The electrode 9 is to be made to possess a ship tip assimilarly described for the electrode 9 of FIG. 1 in order to haveefficient ionization capability. The electrode 7, configured to be aparticle collecting patch for the ionized smoke particles in the dccircuit, is to be made to possess large surface area. FIG. 14illustrates the electrode 7 is configured to cover the outer surface ofthe insertable portion of the device. The electrode 10 may be made topossess a large surface area since it may be configured as the returnelectrode in a bipolar cutting mode for the RF circuit.

When it is desired to use a device of FIG. 14 as a monopolar cuttingdevice, the electrode 9 may be connected with the return patch 13through the switch 4 to form a monopolar cutting device. The returncurrent pad 13 may be placed under the outside skin of a subject. Whenit is desired to use a device of FIG. 14 as a bipolar cutting device,the electrode 9 may be connected with the electrode 10 also through theswitch 4 to form a bipolar cutting device. The electrode 10 is then usedas the return pad. Additionally or alternatively, the electrode 9 may beconfigured to comprise two subset electrodes 9 a and 9 b. The electrode9 a may be configured to be an ionization electrode and also a cuttingblade. The electrode 9 b may be configured to form a bipolar sealingdevice with the electrode 10.

When it is desired to remove or reduce smoke particles from a surgicalsite such as the abdomen of a subject by a device of FIG. 14, the highvoltage dc supply box 1 can be switched on and a stream of electronswould then be generated round around the tip of the electrode 9. Theeffect of these electrons around electrode 9 is to ionize any particlesor matter suspended around the surgical site. Once the smoke particlesare ionized, they will be attracted to the positively charged patch 7.The dc power supply box 1 may be turned on concurrently, simultaneously,sequentially, alternatively, or intermittently with the surgicalprocedure or operation.

FIG. 15 shows another variation of a device in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure when it is desired to remove or reducesmoke particles from a surgical site such as the abdomen of a subject.More particularly, a device in accordance with FIG. 15 is a simplifiedrepresentation of a stand-alone smoke extractor. The device contains adc circuit comprising a dc power supply box 1 in which a high voltage dcelectrical source is housed, a first electrode 8, and a second electrode7. The electrode 7 is configured to cover the outer surface of theinsertable portion of the device. The electrode 7 may be further coveredwith an outer layer with small holes or pores to allow ionized particlesto get through the outer layer to be attracted to the electrode 7. Theouter layer should be made with materials that will facilitate theextractor's insertion through a cannula, an access sheath or other toolsto a surgical site such as the abdomen of a subject. The electrode 8 maybe configured to be a circular electrode that is capable of ionizingsmoke particles at a surgical site after it is connected to a highvoltage dc electrical source. The connecting line between the electrode8 and the box 1 may be configured to not only electrically connect theelectrode 8 with the dc power source box 1, but also to be strong enoughto allow the electrode 8 to be movable along the longitudinal direction.The extractor optionally further comprises a filter 10 which may be usedto filter smoke particles.

The smoke extractor is insertable through a tool such as cannula into asurgical site such as the abdomen region 201 of a subject. The dc powersupply box 1 may be configured to include a dc electrical source, a RFisolation transformer, and a dc voltage/current controller.Additionally, it may also contain other switches or controllers asnecessary to monitor the dc circuit.

FIG. 16 shows another variation of a device in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure. The device contains a dc circuitcomprising a first electrode 7, a second electrode 9, and wireconductors insulated from one another (not shown), extending through thelumen of the device (not shown) to form an insulating plug-like insert31 which facilitates a coupling of the device with a high voltage dcelectrical source (not shown). The device also contains a RF circuitcomprising a third electrode 8, a fourth electrode 10, and wireconductors insulated from one another (not shown), extending alsothrough the lumen of the device to form an insulating plug-like insert32 which facilitates a coupling of the device with a surgical RF energysource (not shown). The switches or controllers for monitoring orcontrolling the dc circuit and/or the RF circuit may be disposed on thehandle 30 (not shown). More particularly, a dc circuit controller, a RFisolation transformer may be disposed in the handle 30 portion.

In accordance with FIG. 16, the electrode 9 of the device is intended tobe used as an ionizing electrode in the dc circuit to ionize smokeparticles generated at a site of a surgical procedure or operation,while the electrode 7 is intended to be used to attract and to collectthe ionized smoke particles. Under this circumstance, the electrode 7should be made to possess a large surface area. Consequently, theelectrode 7 may be made to partially or wholly cover the outer surfaceof the tubular member of the device. The electrode 7 may be made withany known conductive materials suitable for such purpose such as nickelgauze which can be washed after use, a mat of conductive material suchas random plastic fibers coated in conductive carbon slurry, or ametallic plate.

In accordance with FIG. 16, the electrode 9 of the device is alsointended to be used as a cutting blade in the RF circuit. It may beconfigured to perform a nonopolar cutting with an external return pad(not shown), or perform a bipolar cutting with either the electrode 8 orthe electrode 10 or both as a return pad. The electrode 8 and theelectrode 10 may be configured to perform bipolar tissue sealing orcauterization.

Additionally or alternatively, a device in accordance with FIG. 16 maynot need to have a plug-like insert 31 for coupling with a high voltagedc electrical source if a battery pack is desired to be disposed insidethe handle 30 to power the dc circuit (not shown). When a battery packis contemplated to be disposed inside the handle 30, the first electrode7 and the second electrode 9 may be connected to the battery packthrough insulated wire conductors inside the lumen of the insertableportion of the device (not shown).

In accordance with FIG. 16, the electrodes 7, 8, 9, and 10 areconfigured to form the insertable portion of the device. Their sizes,dimensions, ratios and/or materials may be made in accordance with thespecific needs of the device. Moreover, what is shown in FIG. 16 doesnot reflect their respective ratios or scales for those electrodes. Itshould rather be understood that they are merely for illustrationpurpose.

It should be understood that a device or system in accordance with anyone embodiment as described above may also be arranged or adapted toreduce or remove smoke particles from an extracorporeal surgical site.It may also be incorporated with other tools, devices or apparatus.Consequently, the present disclosure is not limited to only incorporatethe surgical tools as described herein. It is contemplated that othersurgical tools may be incorporated into the multifunctional device orsystem. Additionally or alternatively, the multifunctional devicedescribed herein may be used in combination with other tools such asultrasonic devices, laser devices and cryosurgical devices.

The contents of all references, patents, pending patent applications andpublished patents, cited throughout this application are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference.

While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shownand described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the artthat such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure describedherein may be employed. It is intended that the following claims definethe scope of the disclosure and that methods and structures within thescope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

What is claimed:
 1. A medical device comprising: a first electrodeelectrically coupled to a first pole of a source of high voltage dcelectricity via a first cable, the first electrode electrically coupledto a first pole of a source of surgical radio frequency (RF) energy viaa second cable to form a radio frequency circuit to perform a surgicalprocedure on a subject, wherein the first cable is electrically coupledto the second cable at a connecting node; and a second electrodeelectrically coupled to a second pole of the source of high voltage dcelectricity via a third cable, wherein the second pole is opposite thefirst pole to form a dc circuit to ionize, and remove or reduce smokeparticles generated at a surgical site on a subject, a third electrodeconfigured to be in electrical communication with a second pole of thesource of surgical RF energy; and a fourth electrode and a switch, theswitch located between the source of surgical RF energy and the secondand fourth electrodes, the switch to electrically connect either thesecond electrode or the fourth electrode to the source of surgical RFenergy, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arms ofa forceps device, and wherein the first electrode is configured to bepositioned in the surgical site during the surgical procedure.
 2. Themedical device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode is configured tobe used both as an ionizing electrode in the dc circuit and as a cuttingelectrode in the radio frequency circuit.
 3. The medical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the medical device comprises: a handlemember, and the source of high voltage dc electricity, wherein thesource of high voltage dc electricity is located inside of the handlemember.
 4. The medical device according to claim 3, wherein the sourceof high voltage dc electricity is provided by a battery pack.
 5. Themedical device according to claim 1, wherein the medical devicecomprises a handle, the first electrode and the second electrode aredisposed in the handle.
 6. The medical device according to claim 1,wherein the medical device comprises a handle member, the firstelectrode is disposed in the handle.
 7. The medical device according toclaim 6, wherein the third electrode is disposed in the handle.
 8. Themedical device according to claim 7, wherein the first electrode and thethird electrode comprise a bipolar sealing device.
 9. The medical deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the first pole of the source of highvoltage dc electricity is a positive pole and the second pole of thesource of high voltage dc electricity is a negative pole.
 10. Themedical device according to claim 7, wherein the second electrode isdisposed in the handle.
 11. The medical device according to claim 1,comprising: an isolation transformer electrically coupled between thesource of high voltage dc electricity and the first electrode.
 12. Themedical device according to claim 1, comprising: a filter to filter thesmoke particles.